What is JWH-018?

Other names used for synthetic marijuana include synthetic cannabis, synthetic pot, synthetic weed, fake pot, and herbal incense. In an effort to control synthetic marijuana abuse, the United States DEA put a temporary ban on a large list of synthetic compounds found in common brands, or "blends", of fake pot. In an effort to dodge legislation, designer drug manufacturers are using different chemicals not yet banned by the government. These new compounds produce similar effects while remaining structurally unique (and technically legal).

JWH-018 is one of the main compounds found in synthetic marijuana around the world, including the name brands "Spice" and "K2". Developed by John W. Huffman, JWH-018 is a synthetic analogue similar, yet stronger, to the effects that found in THC, the active component in cannabis (weed). Because of its potency, JWH-018 has been identified by the DEA as extremely dangerous and carries the high potential for abuse. Many countries, and many states in the USA, have banned the substance.